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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022
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Father’s Day:
DR. MARITA SCHAUCH, BSC. ND, IS A NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN WITH A PRACTICE AT TALL TREE INTEGRATED HEALTH CENTRE, 5325 CORDOVA BAY RD., MATTICK’S FARM PH: 250-658-9222 DOCTORMARITA.COM
A Quick Guide to Men’s Health
W
ith Father’s Day just around the corner, I thought I’d take this annual opportunity to talk specifically about men’s health. If you are a dad, Happy Father’s Day! If you aren’t a dad, or just have a dad you’d like to continue making happy memories with, I invite you to share this with him this Father’s Day. After all, it is health that allows a dad to keep on doing all of the things we love the most about them. From heart health, mental health, and hormonal health, we’ve got the leading angles covered. HORMONAL HEALTH Though I have a special interest in Women’s health, I see many men in my practice. Some of the main concerns that they have are around diminishing testosterone. This is becoming more prevalent in today’s world, as well as with increasingly younger men. Studies have shown that the average man’s testosterone in today’s society is nearly 25 percent lower than in the 1980s. Testosterone, a hormone produced primarily by the testicles plays a large role in male sexuality and reproduction, impacting such factors as sexual and reproductive function, muscle mass, and hair growth. Testosterone is also important for maintaining bone density, levels
of red blood cells and a sense of well-being and vitality. A few main things to help improve or maintain healthy testosterone levels are: • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Overweight men are more likely to have low testosterone levels to begin with due to the fact that the adipose tissue (fat tissue) contains an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogen. So, if you want healthy testosterone levels, drop the body fat. • Minimize the BPA: BPA may be a large culprit to the declining levels of testosterone in modern times. Studies have shown that when exposed to BPA, it resulted in lower levels of testosterone in men. Avoid drinking from plastic bottles or storing food in plastic and use glass or stainless steel whenever possible. • Reduce Stress: When you are under a lot of stress, your body releases high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone actually blocks the effects of testosterone, which suppresses libido and healthy competitive drive. • Try Hormone Supportive Supplements: Vitamin D helps to support healthy levels of testosterone, which may boost libido. The mineral zinc is important for testosterone production. Maca root helps to boost libido and has hormone-
balancing properties. Tongkat Ali, also known as Malaysian ginseng, has well documented aphrodisiac and testosterone enhancing effects. HEART HEALTH More men die of heart disease than any other cause of death. They are also more likely to develop it at a younger age than women. Maintaining a healthy heart rests on healthy foundational habits: • Eat a Heart Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is the key to your overall health and is especially important for heart health. Dark, leafy greens, berries, healthy fats, nuts and seeds, fish, and legumes and dark chocolate are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of developing heart disease. Inflammation is a major factor in the development of many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, allergies, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Minimize inflammatory foods such as sugar, red meat, processed food, dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol. • Get Moving: Aim to get at least 30 mins of moderate to vigorous physical activity 3-4 times per week to keep your heart in optimal condition. The average North American sits for around 12 hours/ day. Sitting is
as well, being a leading factor in low testosterone, heart disease, diabetes, as well as higher suicide rates amongst men. Cultivating healthy living habits such as good diet, exercise, and good quality sleep go a long way in maintaining good mental health.
detrimental to your health even if you are a physically active person. Find ways to get up regularly throughout your day such as frequent stretch breaks, walking meetings, or a walking desk. Heck, have a mini dance party every few hours, whatever it takes to decrease your sedentary time. • Butt Out: Cigarettes are one of the top risk factors in heart disease in North America. Even being exposed to second-hand smoke increases your risk of heart disease by 25-30 percent. Chemicals in cigarettes promote a build-up of plaque in the arteries. There is so much research out there on this if you are a smoker, it is definitely time to quit. If you are not a smoker, be firm in your boundaries with your smoker friends or loved ones around environmental smoke. • Heart Supporting Supplements: There are a few powerful supplements that can go a long way in supporting your heart health. High-Quality fish oil and vitamin C can help support a healthy heart. CoQ10 and Magnesium are popular heart supportive supplements that are not to be forgotten and are fundamentals for the prevention of heart disease.
A few more tips for good mental health include: • Talk to Someone: Men are much more likely to suffer in silence. Opening up about what you’re experiencing to a trusted individual, practitioner, or group is one of the most powerful things you can do to support your mental wellbeing. Not only is there a release in the process of letting it all out, but it also helps to dispel shame and cultivate feelings of interconnectedness. We are all in this together and you are not alone. • Get Out in Nature: Getting out in nature, or even viewing images of nature reduces anger, fear, and stress and uplift your mood. Research has found that even having a plant in the room can reduce stress and anxiety. • Meditation: Meditating actually changes the brain and the way the body responds to stress. Start with as little as 5 minutes per day and try to meditate first thing in the morning to set the tone for the day.
MENTAL HEALTH Stress and mental health concerns can have a profound effect on men’s physical health
Happy Father’s Day!
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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022
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SILVER THREADS SERVICE
Memory PLUS Challenge
older adults who share the same interest. Our series of Art Workshops at the Victoria Centre are for those 55 years and older. The process is to experiment with different mediums, enjoying the experience and finding joy with the final product. The Workshops are every Wednesday afternoon from June 1st to August 24th, 1:00 to 3:00pm. Costs are $4 for members and $7 for nonmembers. Most supplies are included. For the month of June, we will have Sunflowers for Ukraine: June 8th, Painting on Glass: June 15th, Weaving with Wool: June 22nd, and Beaded Critters: June 29th. Silver Threads Service has been serving seniors in Victoria for 65 years, and prides itself on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for those looking to try out new experiences and classes. We
Silver Threads Service
Celebrating 65 years of community service to seniors! Offering great programs & two locations to serve you. Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151
offer two locations: our centre in Saanich at 286 Hampton Road, and our centre in Victoria at 1911 Quadra Street. Memberships are valid at both locations. For more information on the Art Workshops, call the Victoria Centre at 250-388-4268. We look forward to welcoming you into our centres.
FITNESS CLASSES FOR OLDER ADULTS
This Spring and Summer Fitness Classes continue to be offered for those 55 years and better at Silver Threads Service. We offer 6 different classes weekly in two locations for a variety of fitness levels. Start with one of our gentle classes, build strength, mobility, stamina and change it up when you are comfortable. The classes offered include Seated Exercise, Fusion Fitness, and Functional Fitness. The Seated class is done completely sitting in a chair. It is a whole body workout that includes stretching, strength and gentle movement. This class runs at the Saanich Centre on Thursday mornings from 11:15 to 12:00 noon. Fusion Fitness is a combination of seated and
Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268
Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information
stay active * stay healthy * stay connected
A local research site is looking to evaluate a new investigational probiotic on IBS symptoms of participants who are: Age 18 – 70 years with diagnosis of IBS Not on antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications Not pregnant or breastfeeding No diagnosis of lactose or fructose intolerance, or celiac disease No exclusion diets within 3 months
Please feel free to contact PerCuro Clinical Research at 250-382-6270 if you have any questions. Ghassan – ext 2480 or ghassan@percuro.ca Maddy – ext 2486 or madelyn@percuro.ca Claire – ext. 2484 or claire@percuro.ca
We are located in Saanich at 286 Hampton Road, and in Victoria at 1911 Quadra Street. For more information on Fitness, call the Saanich Centre at 250 382-3151 or the Victoria Centre at 250-388-4268. We look forward to welcoming you into our centres.
lrcouo ___________________ eloclag __________________ roxleep __________________ tateivyrci _________________ wagnird __________________ fytacr ____________________ lensipc ___________________ winaegv __________________ Registration is now on for the next session! Wednesdays, June 1st to July 20th. Morning classes are at the Victoria Centre, located at 1911 Quadra Street from 9:30am to 11:30am. Or there are afternoon classes at the Saanich Centre, located at 286 Hampton Road from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The cost is 8 sessions - $72 Members or $104 Nonmembers. Call 250 388-4268 for more information.
Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Do you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
• • • • •
standing exercise, as you feel confident and are progressing this would be a good next step in your fitness journey. This popular class runs Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Victoria Centre. As well, on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:00pm at the Saanich Centre. Functional Fitness is a standing class that will build cardio and balance and gives a good workout without over doing it! Join us on Thursdays from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Saanich Centre. Classes are $4 for members and $7 for non-members. Membership is $55 and provides access to both centres. Call to book your spot in advance. Due to COVID we are limiting the participant numbers and ensuring physical distancing and other health protocols are still in place.
gnides ___________________
creativity drawing crafty pencils weaving
ne of the ways to find joy is to return to the activities you enjoyed when you were younger. Maybe it was riding a bike, reading a book or swimming. If it was drawing, painting or doing crafts, it might be easier than you think to revisit and reengage with your creative side. The health benefits are plentiful and positive. First, it can boost your physical health. Working your fine motor skills by holding a pencil or brush has a positive impact to your nervous system and can reduce your heart rate. Your cognition improves as well, as you focus and innovate, and awaken your creativity. This helps with your mental health and managing negative thoughts and feelings. At Silver Threads Service, you will find the health benefits include social interaction and joining a group of like-minded
ngiapnit __________________
ANSWERS: painting design colour collage explore
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Art for Everyone: the health benefits of doing Art
ART WORD SCRAMBLE Memory PLUS is a Silver Threads Service program for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting. The PLUS stands for Practice, Laughter, Useful Strategies. Call 250 388-4268 or visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information. We encourage you to exercise your brain by solving an all about Art word scramble.
I
rritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract of approximately 11% of the global population and results in recurring belly pain and changes in bowel habits. Often, patients with IBS also have psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. PerCuro Clinical Research Ltd. and Dr. Denis Petrunia are conducting a clinical trial that is testing a new investigational probiotic to determine its ability to improve these psychological symptoms and intestinal symptoms of IBS. If you choose to be in this trial, you will be one of about 184 adult subjects between the ages of 18 and 70 years enrolled at about 20 sites in Canada. You will be in the trial for approximately 14 weeks. You will first have a screening visit followed by a 6-week treatment course with the probiotic or placebo and then 4 weeks of follow-up. During the study, you will come to the site for four in-person visits for which you will be reimbursed and you will receive one phone call.
During the 6-week treatment course you will take 1 sachet of probiotic or placebo orally per day at the same time as breakfast. You will have a 50% chance of receiving the probiotic or placebo and neither you nor the trial staff will know which one you are receiving. The placebo looks like the probiotic, but it does not contain the bacteria and is used in this trial to see if the effects are due to the investigational product. According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, Canada has one of the highest prevalence of IBS in the world. IBS can significantly impact an individual’s ability to live their life to its fullest. If you or someone you know has been living with IBS and would like to know more about this study, please feel free to contact PerCuro Clinical Research at 250-382-6270:
· Ghassan – ext 2480 or ghassan@percuro.ca · Maddy – ext 2486 or madelyn@percuro.ca · Claire – ext. 2484 or claire@percuro.ca